DOJ awards $900,000 to MS Band of Choctaw to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women has awarded $900,000 to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The grant was awarded through the OVW Tribal Governments Program, which provides funding to tribes to develop and improve effective governance strategies to reduce violent crimes against Indian women and increase the safety of Indian women.

Funds will support the Family Violence and Victims Program, a tribal government agency of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians that provides shelter and support services for Choctaw women who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

“This DOJ grant will help the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians reduce domestic violence and other violent crimes through collaboration with community organizations, tribal law enforcement, and prosecutors,” said U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee.

“The Family Violence and Victim Services Program, an important initiative within our Department of Family and Community Services, plays a critical role in supporting individuals in their most vulnerable moments,” said Chief Cyrus Ben of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. “This grant will allow us to maintain and enhance our community efforts. We warmly thank the Department of Justice for this generous award, which allows us to continue our important work.”

For more information about the Office on Violence Against Women, visit www.justice.gov/ovw.